Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz (D-51 A.D.) held a press conference today to discuss the dangers of drinking and
driving on New York's roadways and measures that must be taken for the sake of each and every New Yorker.
Ortiz was joined by Randy and Kathy Haack who tragically lost their son to an alcohol related accident and has
since taken on the challenge to rid our roads of impaired drivers. The Assemblyman was also joined by Mr. Jack
Dalton, Regional Director of National Interlock Systems, Inc. a provider of the life saving devices.

In 2002, there were 17,000 people killed and 258,000 people injured in alcohol related accidents across the
nation and these numbers have been on the rise for each of the past three years. Someone with a Blood Alcohol
Concentration (B.A.C.) of .08 or higher is four times more likely to cause an accident while someone with a level
of .16 or higher is twenty five times more likely. These numbers clearly show the affects of alcohol on an individual
and their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ortiz has proposed legislation to install ignition interlock devices in each vehicle sold or registered in New
York to combat the problem of drunk driving. He has also introduced legislation which would require ignition
interlock devices in the vehicles of all first time and multiple offenders of drinking and driving. The device will
be supported by a comprehensive program involving monitoring and counseling which will reach those drivers
being ignored by the current system. Another bill that Ortiz has proposed would put ignition interlock devices on
commercial vehicles over certain weights and those carrying dangerous cargo or passengers (i.e.: buses, ferries).

"More needs to be done to protect or families from the danger that lurks behind the next turn. We have an
obligation to keep drunk drivers off our highways and my legislation will accomplish that goal. Drinking and driving
should not be an option in New York State and the installation of interlock ignition devices in vehicles will ensure
that it does not occur." stated Ortiz.